Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that uses localized heat generated by medium-frequency alternating current (typically 350–500 kHz) to destroy targeted tissue, such as tumors or specific pain-transmitting nerves. This procedure is used to manage chronic pain (for example, in the spine, joints, or peripheral nerves) and to ablate tumors in the liver, lung, kidney, and other organs. RFA accomplishes tissue destruction by heating and causing coagulation necrosis; it is performed with needle-like electrodes, guided by imaging, and typically under local anesthesia[1][3][4][5][7]. RFA is not a drug or molecular target but a technique with established roles in interventional pain management, tumor ablation, and cardiac arrhythmia treatment.

Other names

radiofrequency neurotomyradiofrequency rhizotomyfulguration